US Firms Race to Build Rare Earth Plants as Trump Pours Billions Into Supply Chains
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9
US Firms Race to Build Rare Earth Plants as Trump Pours Billions Into Supply Chains
1 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · Jul 9
Summary
US mining companies are scrambling to hire scarce rare-earth processing experts as they rush to build domestic refining plants, reviving a capability long ceded to China.
Billions of dollars from the Trump administration have accelerated that push over the past year, with escalating US-China trade tensions driving efforts to rebuild the supply chain at home.
Jack Lifton, an 86-year-old consultant and one of the few Americans with hands-on refining experience, has become a sought-after adviser for companies planning the new facilities.
The buildout targets niche metals used in consumer electronics, electric vehicles and military weapons, underscoring how industrial policy and security concerns are reshaping US mining investment.
With billions invested in rare earth facilities, can the US solve its critical talent shortage before the 2027 defense deadline?
Can turning industrial waste into strategic metals be the key to breaking America's reliance on foreign rare earths?
U.S. Rare Earth Supply Chain in 2026: Investments, Geopolitics, and the Environmental Tradeoff
Overview
The United States is rapidly building a domestic rare earths supply chain to reduce its reliance on foreign sources, especially China. This effort is powered by strong government and private sector investments, recognizing that critical minerals are essential for advanced technologies, economic strength, and national security. Companies like USA Rare Earth and MP Materials are leading the way, developing a full value chain from mining to manufacturing within the Western hemisphere. Their work, supported by substantial backing, aims to secure the nation’s access to these vital materials and strengthen its position in the global technology race.